TREATMENT DEVICE WITH DAMPING FEATURE
Treatment device for ultrasonic treatment and high frequency treatment procedure is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric elements converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The treatment device includes a transmission rod with a treatment probe and jaw for clasping objects. The transmission rod includes one or more features for damping, to minimize or prevent excess vibrations and to, among other things, decrease frictional heat caused by the friction between the damping features and the transmission rod arising from attenuating the ultrasonic vibrations.
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This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/152,899 filed on Feb. 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic treatment device used for dissecting and coagulating tissues. The ultrasonic treatment device is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric elements converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted along the transmission member to a probe that serves to clasp objects together with a jaw for the performance of treatment procedures on biological tissue of patients, such as blood vessel sealing. The transmission member may create undesired transverse vibration that causes problems such as deterioration of blood vessel sealing performance, heat generation, abnormal stress, and abnormal noise.
BACKGROUNDIn the discussion that follows, reference is made to certain structures and/or methods. However, the following references should not be construed as an admission that these structures and/or methods constitute prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to demonstrate that such structures and/or methods do not qualify as prior art against the present invention.
The damping sheath 160 is constructed of a polymeric material, preferably with a low coefficient of friction to minimize dissipation of energy from the axial motion or longitudinal vibration of the transmission rod 86. The damping sheath 160 is preferably in light contact with the transmission rod 86 to dampen or limit non-axial or transverse side-to-side vibration of the transmission rod 86. The damping sheath 160 can dampen transverse motion of the unwanted vibration which are located randomly along the length of the transmission rod 86 relative to the nodes and antinodes of the desired longitudinal vibration.
Horizontal vibrations occurring in ultrasonic treatment devices when the ultrasonic probe is vibrated can lead to problems, such as deterioration of blood vessel sealing performance, heat generation, abnormal stress, and abnormal noise. Even though related art ultrasonic treatment devices may have structures, such as the damping sheath 160, such a damping sheath 160 is in contact throughout the transmission rod 86 at all times in areas where dampening or limiting the non-axial or transverse side-to-side vibration is not necessary. For instance, when the related art ultrasonic treatment device is operated and clasps and objects such as human tissues during the treatment procedure, the need for damping the transverse vibrations occurring at the ultrasonic probe decreases since the direct contact made between the ultrasonic probe and the human tissue or the other clasping feature results in damping of the transverse vibration. Furthermore, the contacting of the damping sheath 160 and the ultrasonic probe causes rise in the electric power and frictional heat during the treatment procedure using the longitudinal vibration. Therefore, a configuration is preferred in which damping occurs when the ultrasonic probe is not used for clasping but does not occur when the ultrasonic probe is used for clasping human tissues.
SUMMARYAccordingly, there is a need for designing an ultrasonic treatment device with an efficient structure in view of the practical usage, which would substantially obviate one or more of the issues due to limitations and disadvantages of related art treatment devices. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved treatment device having an efficient structure and practical administration of the associated medical procedure. For example, there is a need to provide improved damping solutions that, for example, minimize the contact between a transmission rod and a damping structure, so as to minimize or prevent heat generation, abnormal noise, or other issues to arise. At least one or some of the objectives is achieved by the treatment device disclosed herein.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the disclosed treatment device will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof, as well as the appended drawings.
In general, the disclosed structures and systems provide for an ultrasonic treatment device efficiently suppressing problems such as heat generation, abnormal stress, and abnormal noise created from vertical and/or horizontal ultrasonic vibrations. The treatment device for ultrasonic treatment and high frequency treatment procedure is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric elements converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The treatment device includes a transmission rod with a treatment probe and jaw for clasping objects, such as biological tissue of a patient. The treatment device can includes features for damping transverse vibrations associated with the ultrasonic vibrations, such as a sheath on a portion of the transmission rod or treatment probe, an outer surface of the treatment probe configured to contact an inner surface of a surrounding structure (such as the probe holder), an outer surface of the transmission rod configured to contact an inner surface of a surrounding structure (such as the sheath of the treatment device), or combinations of such features. Damping transverse vibrations minimizes or prevents excess vibrations and, among other things, decreases frictional heat caused by the damping features attenuating the ultrasonic vibrations.
In the exemplary embodiments, the damping feature is associated with the probe holder, which is a structure that at least partially circumscribes the outer circumference surface of the treatment probe and through which the treatment probe can slidably move. Movement of the jaw between an open position (when the jaw is not in contact with a surface of the treatment probe) and a closed position (when the jaw is in contact with a surface of the treatment probe) cause the outer circumference surface of the treatment probe to move from a first position in which the treatment probe is in contact with the damping feature (such as, for example, contacting a surface of the probe holder) and a second position in which the treatment probe is spaced apart from the damping feature (such as, for example, spaced apart from surfaces of the probe holder). By being in contact with the damping feature when the jaw is in the open position (which is otherwise an unloaded condition of the treatment probe), the damping feature suppresses transverse vibration of the treatment probe. Correspondingly, when the treatment probe is in a loaded condition by being in-use during a procedure, the jaw is in the closed position and the treatment probe is not in contact with the damping feature associated with the probe holder, for example, by the treatment probe being biased away from contacting a surface of the probe holder.
In other exemplary embodiments, the damping feature is associated with the drive member, which is a structure that slidably moves within the sheath of the treatment device to extend and retract the treatment probe and to actuate movement of the jaw. Movement of the drive member causes the treatment probe to move and also for the jaw to move between an open position (when the jaw is not in contact with a surface of the treatment probe) and a closed position (when the jaw is in contact with a surface of the treatment probe). The treatment probe is attached to the transmission rod at a transition region and, with rearward movement of treatment probe (i.e., in the retracting direction), a proximal end of the drive member moves toward and contacts the surface of the transition region of the transmission rod. A damping feature is located at the portion of the drive member that contacts the transition region. Thus, when moved in the retracting direction, the damping feature of the drive member is caused to contact the surface of the transition region of the transmission rod. By coordinating the movement of the drive member and the operation of the jaw so that the damping feature of the drive member is caused to be in contact with the surface of the transition region of the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position (which is otherwise an unloaded condition of the treatment probe), the damping feature suppresses transverse vibration of the treatment probe. Correspondingly, movement of the drive member and the operation of the jaw can also be coordinated so that, when the treatment probe is in a loaded condition by being in-use during a procedure, the jaw is in the closed position and the damping feature of the drive member is not in contact with the surface of the transition region of the transmission rod, for example, by the drive member being slidably moved toward a distal end to separate the damping feature of the drive member from the surface of the transition region of the transmission rod.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the damping feature is provided integrally with the structure that opens and closes the jaw, and thereby switches the state of contact and separation between the damping feature and the transmission rod and/or treatment probe as the jaw is opened and closed. Still further, in some embodiments the damping features can be placed at either the antinode or the node of the ultrasonic vibrations.
Embodiments of the disclosed surgical treatment device comprises a transducer generating ultrasonic vibrations, a transmission rod including a treatment probe in which a proximal end of the transmission rod is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer to the treatment probe located at the distal end, and the treatment probe including a treatment surface and a jaw moveable relative to the transmission rod from an open position to a closed position. The damping feature contacts the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position and the damping feature is spaced apart from the transmission rod when the jaw is in the closed position.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is made of insulate material.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is made of resin.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is made of rubber.
In some embodiments, the damping feature covers the transmission rod perpendicularly as to the treatment surface.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is placed within half wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration from the distal end of the treatment probe in the axial proximal direction.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is placed near the fulcrum of the jaw.
In some embodiments, the transmission rod is displaced towards the direction the jaw closes in the closed position.
In some embodiments, the contact between the damping feature and transmission rod does not occur at a node of a transverse vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
In some embodiments, the contact between the damping feature and transmission rod does not occur at an antinode of a longitudinal vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
In some embodiments, the contact between the damping feature and transmission rod occurs at an antinode of a transverse vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe is configured to treat biological tissue.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe is configured as an electrode for treatment using high frequency currents.
In some embodiments, the damping feature prevents short circuit between the transmission rod and other parts of the treatment device.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe includes a curved shape.
In some embodiments, a surgical treatment device comprises a transducer generating ultrasonic vibrations, a transmission rod including a treatment probe in which a proximal end of the transmission rod is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer to the treatment probe located at the distal end, the treatment probe including a treatment surface and a jaw moveable relative to the transmission rod from an open position to a closed position, and a slider that moves in a direction parallel with the transmission rod. The slider and jaw are configured so that, when the slider moves towards the proximal end of the transmission rod the jaw moves in the opening direction and, when the slider moves towards the distal end of the transmission rod the jaw moves in the closing direction. Furthermore, the slider includes a damping feature that contacts the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position and the damping feature is spaced apart from the transmission rod when the jaw is in the closed position.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is made of insulate material.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is made of resin.
In some embodiments, the damping feature is made of rubber.
In some embodiments, the damping feature has a square or rectangular shape.
In some embodiments, the damping feature has a triangular shape.
In some embodiments, the damping feature contacts the transmission rod applying force in the radial direction.
In some embodiments, the damping feature moves integrally with the slider.
In some embodiments, the contact between the damping member and transmission rod does not occur at a node of a transverse vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
In some embodiments, the contact between the damping member and transmission rod does not occur at an antinode of a longitudinal vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
In some embodiments, the contact between the damping member and transmission rod occurs at an antinode of the transverse vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe is configured to treat biological tissue.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe is configured as an electrode for treatment using high frequency currents.
In some embodiments, the damping feature prevents short circuit between the transmission rod and other parts of the treatment device.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe includes a curved shape.
In some embodiments, the transmission rod includes a portion having a larger diameter compared to the other portions of the transmission rod.
In some embodiments, the diameter of the portion having a larger diameter gradually increases.
In some embodiments, a method for controlling a surgical treatment device is disclosed. The method comprises generating ultrasonic vibrations, connecting a transmission rod including a treatment probe to the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer to the treatment probe, moving the slider in a direction parallel with the transmission rod for opening and closing the jaw movable relative to the treatment surface of the transmission rod, and moving the slider and jaw are configured so that, when the slider moves towards the proximal end of the transmission rod the jaw moves in the opening direction and, when the slider moves towards the distal end of the transmission rod the jaw moves in the closing direction. Moving of the slider includes a damping feature that contacts the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position, and moving of the damping feature is spaced apart from the transmission rod when the jaw is in the closed position.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below in conjunction with the embodiments of the disclosed input device. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the disclosed input device are examples and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed input device as claimed.
The following detailed description of preferred embodiments can be read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate like elements and in which:
Throughout all of the drawings, dimensions of respective constituent elements are appropriately adjusted for clarity. For ease of viewing, in some instances only some of the named features in the figures are labeled with reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONConsidering the use of ultrasonic probe 404 in treatment procedures, longitudinal vibration would be the desirable ultrasonic vibration. On the contrary, transverse vibrations and torsional vibrations would be undesirable ultrasonic vibrations that may cause issues during the treatment procedures. The longitudinal vibration occurs in parallel to the center axis of the ultrasonic probe 404 and the undesired transverse vibration occurs in the direction perpendicular to the center axis of the ultrasonic probe and the longitudinal vibration. Because the ultrasonic probe 404 is curved in the horizontal direction with an aim to improve the visibility during the treatment procedure, the axial unbalance of the ultrasonic probe 404 in the horizontal direction may create substantial transverse vibrations when the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the ultrasonic probe 404. In the case shown in
Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made without department from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A surgical treatment device, comprising:
- a transducer generating ultrasonic vibrations;
- a transmission rod including a treatment probe, wherein a proximal end of the transmission rod is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer to the treatment probe located at a distal end of the transmission rod; and
- the treatment probe including a treatment surface and a jaw moveable relative to the transmission rod from an open position to a closed position,
- wherein a damping feature contacts the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position, and
- wherein the damping feature is spaced apart from the transmission rod when the jaw is in the closed position.
2. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the damping feature is made of insulate material.
3. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the damping feature is made of resin.
4. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the damping feature is made of rubber.
5. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the damping feature covers the transmission rod perpendicularly as to the treatment surface.
6. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, where in the damping feature is placed within half wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration from the distal end of the treatment probe in the axial proximal direction.
7. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, where in the damping feature is placed near the fulcrum of the jaw.
8. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission rod is displaced towards the direction the jaw closes in the closed position.
9. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the contact between the damping feature and transmission rod does not occur at a node of a transverse vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
10. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the contact between the damping feature and transmission rod does not occur at an antinode of a longitudinal vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
11. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the contact between the damping feature and transmission rod occurs at an antinode of a transverse vibration of the ultrasonic vibration.
12. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment probe is configured to treat biological tissue.
13. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment probe is configured as an electrode for treatment using high frequency currents.
14. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the damping feature prevents short circuit between the transmission rod and other parts of the treatment device.
15. The surgical treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment probe includes a curved shape.
16. A surgical treatment device, comprising:
- a transducer generating ultrasonic vibrations;
- a transmission rod including a treatment probe, wherein a proximal end of the transmission rod is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer to the treatment probe located at a distal end of the transmission rod;
- the treatment probe including a treatment surface and a jaw moveable relative to the transmission rod from an open position to a closed position; and
- a slider that moves in a direction parallel with the transmission rod,
- wherein the slider and jaw are configured so that, when the slider moves towards the proximal end of the transmission rod the jaw moves in the opening direction and, when the slider moves towards the distal end of the transmission rod the jaw moves in the closing direction,
- wherein the slider includes a damping feature that contacts the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position, and
- wherein the damping feature is spaced apart from the transmission rod when the jaw is in the closed position.
17. The surgical treatment device according to claim 16, wherein the damping feature has a square or rectangular shape.
18. The surgical treatment device according to claim 16, wherein the damping feature has a triangular shape.
19. The surgical treatment device according to claim 16, wherein the damping feature moves integrally with the slider.
20. A method for controlling a surgical treatment device, the method comprising:
- generating ultrasonic vibrations;
- connecting a transmission rod including a treatment probe to the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer to the treatment probe; and
- moving a jaw relative to the treatment surface of the transmission rod for opening and closing,
- wherein a damping feature contacts the transmission rod when the jaw is in the open position, and
- wherein the damping feature is spaced apart from the transmission rod when the jaw is in the closed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 22, 2021
Publication Date: Aug 25, 2022
Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP. (Tokyo)
Inventors: Hiroshi ASHIBA (Tokorozawa-shi), Yasuhiro MAEDA (Tokyo), Minoru KATSUMATA (Tokyo), Keisuke NAGAO (Tokyo)
Application Number: 17/558,665